Effects of trigger point pressure release on pain modulation and associated movement impairments in a patient with severe acute myofascial pain syndrome: a case report

Abstract Background: Upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is one of most common musculoskeletal impairments. To treat this upper trapezius MPS, various conventional therapeutic exercises along with physical modalities or injection including the trigger point release technique (TPRT) or ischaemic compression, ultrasonography, a combination of ischaemic compression and massage and a combination of lidocaine or Botox (BTX-A) injection, and stretching exercise have been widely used. However, outcome studies produced variable temporary results along with side-effects in lidocaine and BTX-A injections including pain at the injection site, malaise, local weakness or nerve damage. Of these interventional approaches, manual TPRT, (a non-invasive, safe, and commonly used technique) was thought to reduce MPS by means of providing a localised pressure on the target. However, more convincing evidence of the long-term treatment effect is required although empirical evidence has shown some favourable short-ter...